Cold Weather is Here: Let’s turn up the HEAP!

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara helps Schenectady County Habitat for Humanity kick off National Women Build Week with Executive Director Jeffery Clark and Congressman Paul Tonko at the home of Heather Walker joined by her daughter Diamond and son Meki

Earlier this year, hundreds volunteered at Habitat for Humanity construction sites across the country in recognition of National Women Build Week. I joined Habitat for Humanity at the home of Heather Walker on Michigan Avenue in the City of Schenectady to help kick-off the first Women Build home for 2013. Women Build is an initiative that challenges women to contribute efforts toward creating affordable housing. To date, the program has constructed many homes for hard-working families in Schenectady County and also helped numerous families in Rotterdam Junction rebuild after Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011.

NYS Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara and US Congressman Paul Tonko with volunteers at the Schenectady County Habitat for Humanity National Women Build Week Kick-Off Event

Brrrrrr…now Fall’s chilly air has turned to bitter cold. As we look back at the amazing work done in our communities by Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program, we all know that harsh winters in Upstate New York can be devastating if you have trouble heating your home. That’s where the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) comes in. The federally funded program helps qualifying New Yorkers cover the costs of heating their home. HEAP might be just the help that some Capital Region families need to pay for electricity, propane, natural gas, wood, oil, kerosene, coal or any other heating fuel.

For New Yorkers facing a home heating crisis, HEAP also provides emergency help. You may be eligible if your electricity is necessary for your heating system to work; your electric or natural gas heat is off or scheduled to be shut off; you’re in danger of running out of fuel; or your home heating equipment is inoperable. Additionally, the program also assists with repairing or replacing any damaged or non-functioning heating equipment, including furnaces, boilers or other direct-heating components necessary to keep the home’s heating source functional.

To learn more about HEAP, you can contact the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance by calling the toll-free number at 1-800-342-3009, or you can visit their website at www.otda.ny.gov/programs/heap. You can also review your eligibility by visiting www.mybenefits.ny.gov. In addition to those resources, feel free to contact my office for any assistance by calling (518) 455-5197 or via email at santabarbaraa@assembly.state.ny.us.

It’s absolutely essential to ensure that families do not suffer from the harsh weather. I strongly encourage residents to apply for help if they are in need.